Orange/wanadoo Broadband-Debt collection

iseethestrals

Hi hope someone can give me a little advise.
received a letter today from a debt collection agency regarding a broadband account I had with Orange in 2006. At that time I was unable to make my broadband payments for two months and the account was therefore closed by Orange for non payment and I was asked to return the equipment to them.
I heard nothing else from them until now where I am being asked to pay an outstanding cancellation amount.

I called Orange to clarify as to why I am only being contacted now- 2 and a half years later. They informed me that they sent emails to me regarding the outstanding amount and confirmed that the email address they were using was my wanadoo account which had been closed due to non payment. They do not send out letters they say. How was I supposed to know about this amount?

The debt collectors have said the payment is being requested for equipment not sent back but Orange say its for the remainder of the contract- why are these stories different?

Apparently as Orange was taking over Wanadoo a lot of accounts were archived and our only now being dealt with.

Is it right for them to be asking me for a cancellation after so long?

Any advice would be appreciated.

macman

Yes if the amount is owing then they can pursue it after 2 and a half years. You say you were asked to return the equipment but didn't? Normal procedure is that you will be asked to pay up the balance of the contract owing.
You've had 2 and a half years free credit, so why complain?